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By Adrienne LaBay “The building is settling.” McCook, Neb. - It’s a phrase many heard more than once during recent tours of McCook Junior High, held on July 10, 16, and 21. Leading the tours was Principal Chad Lyons, who walked visitors through the aging facility and outlined numerous issues caused by years of structural shifting. “It’s a domino effect,” Lyons explained. “A support pillar in the cafeteria settled, which tipped the building and kinked the sewer pipe.” The tou

McCook, Neb. - Travis Byers spends a lot of time thinking about water — how to enjoy it, how to navigate it, and most importantly, how to stay safe in it. A business owner, kayaking instructor, and lifelong water enthusiast from Ogallala, Byers is also the chair of Crihstian’s Cause Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting life jacket safety and education. The organization, originally founded in Lincoln, was named after a father and son who were caught in a tragic f

McCook Neb. — With ballots arriving for the $42 million McCook Public Schools bond proposal, voters are once again deciding whether to fund a major school construction project. The plan would replace the aging junior high, address long-standing safety issues, and modernize classrooms—but the debate remains heated, with supporters calling it essential and opponents saying it’s too costly. Why the District Says It’s Needed “The building is settling.” That’s the phrase most repe

McCOOK, Neb. – Two McCook youth soccer teams made an impressive showing at the 2025 Cornhusker State Games in Lincoln earlier this month, proving that local talent can hold its own against experienced travel teams. Southwest Seabreezers 12U Team Coach Leah Christensen with players, back row: Caleb Christensen, Bentley Stritt, Luis Almanzo; front row: Beckett Fox, Chase Reichert. The McCook Crossfire 15U team earned a silver medal in their division, while the newly-formed Sou

McCook, Neb. — When you sit down with Norma Stevens, you don’t need to ask many questions—her love for McCook’s art community overflows in stories, names, and memories that paint a vivid picture of the area’s creative history. Stevens, a retired language arts teacher, didn’t set out to become an artist. But after years in the classroom, she decided to take a chance on something new. “I always had an interest, but I didn’t have the background—color, value, all of that,” she re

McCook, Neb. — The McCook Fire Department’s newest ambulance is officially in service, offering upgraded safety features and a smoother ride for patients and crew. Firefighter and Paramedic, James Slaten showed the vehicle to City Council members before Monday’s meeting, pointing out its major improvements. He explained that the new ambulance follows the blueprint of the department’s previous unit with only minor changes, which made setup simple. “The day it showed up, we w

McCook, Neb. — The Southwest Area Training Service (SWATS) is on a mission to help individuals with developmental disabilities live self-determined, independent lives—and under new leadership, that mission is taking on a renewed energy and focus. “Our primary mission is to support the individuals we serve to live their lives in a self-determined manner—to make their own choices, take risks, and learn from those risks, just like anybody else,” said Kayla Rork, Services Directo

McCOOK, Neb. — Texas musician Josh Weathers, who recently helped raise more than $500,000 for Central Texas flood victims, will bring his high-energy country-soul sound to the Red Willow County Fair this week. Weathers spoke by phone Monday from Ingram, Texas, where he has been assisting flood victims. “It looks like a third-world disaster area down here,” he said. “Everywhere I look, there’s debris piled up. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.” The Fort Worth-based

McCook, Neb. – Karrer Park, McCook’s long-used free camping area, has been closed until further notice as city officials work to address rising safety concerns and increased misuse of the facility. Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff said while the park was originally intended for travelers making short stops, it has increasingly been used as a permanent residence by individuals with nowhere else to go. “We’ve had abuse of the facility for several years, but this year it’s g

McCook, Neb. – The McCook City Council covered a full agenda Monday night, ranging from community clean-up efforts to updates on the much-anticipated sports complex. All members were present except Councilman Darcy Rambally, who was excused. New Ambulance Now in Service Residents will soon have the chance to see McCook’s newest ambulance up close. The upgraded Horton 4WD model was partially funded by a $75,000 grant, making it a cost-effective addition to the city’s emergency

McCook, Neb. — “I’m not here,” Irene Delka McCray’s mother said one day, pressing her hands to her face during a video call in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown. For McCray, those words were heartbreaking, funny, and profound all at once—and they became the title of one of her most powerful works, a large-scale colored pencil portrait included in her exhibit Mother, Lasting. On Saturday afternoon, the ArtBank in McCook hosted McCray for an intimate artist talk that was as

McCook Neb. - The McCook ArtGuild will host its monthly artist reception tonight, Friday, July 18, from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring three unique exhibitions on display through July 31. In the Main Gallery The Association of Nebraska Art Clubs (ANAC) Traveling Show brings some of Nebraska’s most celebrated artwork to McCook. ANAC is the only organization in the U.S. that unites all of a state’s art clubs. Each year, hundreds of entries are judged by a nationally recognized artist,

McCook, Neb. – The future of music and theater programs at Mid-Plains Community College sparked concern at Tuesday night’s Board of Governors meeting, where longtime artist and MCC alumna Norma Stevens urged the college to keep the arts alive on campus. Stevens, who first attended MCC in 1957 and has supported the college’s arts programs for decades, said the lack of music and theater events in the past year is troubling for both students and the community. “This college has

McCook, Neb. - McCook Public Schools (MPS) officials are urging residents to see the junior high for themselves before voting in the upcoming August 12 mail-in bond election. During a public tour Tuesday, school leaders outlined structural concerns, safety risks, and space limitations they say cannot be solved with repairs alone. What the Tour Revealed Superintendent Grant Norgaard, Junior High Principal Chad Lyons, High School Principal Craig Dickes, and Business Manager Jef

McCook Neb. - The ArtBank will open a deeply personal and thought-provoking exhibition this week, welcoming renowned artist and educator Irene Delka McCray with her series “Mother Lasting.” The show, curated by Lucas Kotschwar of the 6th Floor Project, opens Thursday, July 17 (1–8 p.m.) and continues through August. McCray will give an artist talk on Saturday, July 19, at 2 p.m., offering visitors the chance to hear firsthand how her work developed out of an intimate and emot

McCOOK, Neb. – The McCook Public Schools Board of Education held its regular July meeting Monday night, covering policy updates required by recent state legislation, approving staff hires, and hearing positive feedback from students about a recent educational trip. Public Comments Highlight Teacher Certification Concerns and Student Experiences Teacher Certification Debate: Longtime educator Sharon Bohling spoke during public comment, expressing concerns about hiring non-cert

McCook, Neb. — The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners tackled a packed agenda Monday morning, covering everything from school nursing contracts and gravel bids to budget requests from community partners. Consent Agenda Approved The meeting began with standard business, including the approval of past meeting minutes, payroll claims, surplus items, and a resolution (No. 1561) related to a Tyler Technologies agreement. The board also approved a roadway occupancy agreement

McCOOK, Neb. — On Saturday night, something truly unexpected happened behind the ArtBank: a music and skateboarding event that felt fresh, inclusive, and unlike anything McCook has seen before. “Break the Bank” was a collaboration between organizers Brigham Larington, Devon Strunk, and Elise Larington, who helped bring the evening to life. It combined live music, a skate competition, and a vibrant atmosphere—without a drop of alcohol, and with free hot dogs and water provided

McCook, Neb. - Warden Steve Fannon and Unit Manager Carolyn Sommer from the Nebraska Work Ethic Camp (WEC) visited with McCook Rotary for an informative presentation on the facility’s mission, operations, and community impact. The Work Ethic Camp, located just outside McCook, has evolved over the years into a unique correctional facility focused on rehabilitation, skill-building, and community service. Rehabilitation and Reentry Focus Warden Fannon emphasized that the Work Et

McCook, Neb. - Karrer Park, McCook’s free camping area located at 1628 East B Street, has been closed until further notice due to growing safety concerns. The closure, announced by the City of McCook, is not permanent but comes after repeated issues with misuse of the facility. Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff said that while Karrer Park was designed for short stays, some individuals have been using the area as a permanent residence. “We have had a lot of abuse of the faci